Prerequisites

Students applying must have good quantitative skills with an undergraduate or higher degree from an accredited institution in mathematics, statistics, biostatistics, computer sciences, biomedical engineering, or other closely related areas. It is recommended that candidates will also have taken basic coursework in human biology and/or genetics. All prospective students must provide evidence of basic skills in computer programming through coursework or documented experience. Promising candidates can arrange to take the appropriate courses to rectify deficiencies with the approval of the Program Director. Typically, we expect all applicants to have taken the following courses or their equivalents. If you have any questions about whether a course will meet our prerequisites, please inquire at biostat-msibs@email.wustl.edu or by calling 314-362-1384.

Calculus I – required

Derivatives of algebraic, trigonometric, and transcendental functions, techniques of differentiation and applications of the derivative. The definite integral and Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Areas. Simpler integration techniques.

Calculus II – required

Continuation of Calculus I. A brief review of the definite integral and Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Techniques of integration, applications of the integral, sequences and series, and some material on differential equations.

Calculus III – highly recommended/required (As of Fall 2014 an important course in the MSIBS program lists Calculus III as a prerequisite. Students with extremely strong math backgrounds may choose to apply without having completed Calculus III but may need to supplement their knowledge to succeed in MSIBS classes.)

Multivariable calculus. Topics include differential and integral calculus of functions of two or three variables: vectors and curves in space, partial derivatives, multiple integrals, line integrals, vector calculus at least through Green’s Theorem.

Acceptance of Transfer Credits

We will accept transferable credits from other accredited institutions of higher education and from other programs at Washington University, provided that the didactic courses are considered to be essentially equivalent to the courses offered in our program. The Program administration will make such determinations. However, in order to graduate from the MSIBS program, at least 75% of the credits must be completed through the MSIBS program (residency requirement). Therefore, MSIBS will accept a maximum of 10 transfer credits.